Entertainment

Bill Gates Hosts Fair to Reinvent the Toilet [PICS]

Though Bill Gates stepped down as head of Microsoft in 2008 to focus on philanthropy, he hasn't left the realm of world-changing innovation.

Gates hosted the Reinvent the Toilet Fair in Seattle, Wash. Tuesday and Wednesday, showcasing the designs and working prototypes of eight design finalists from around the world, who followed though on his August 2011 challenge to reinvent the toilet. The former Microsoft chief invited innovators to create a product that could function without water pipes, a sewer connection or outside electricity, while costing less than 5 cents per day to honor. The eight universities that presented at the fair received a cumulative $400,000 to develop their prototypes.

The winning toilet came from California Institute of Technology, receiving $100,000 for its model of a solar-powered toilet that generates hydrogen and electricity. The second place toilet, hailing from the UK"s Loughborough University receives $60,000 for its toilet that produces biological charcoal, minerals and clean water. The third prize winner, from the University of Toronto, receives $40,000 for its toilet that sanitizes human waste.

According to the Gates Foundation, the need for a new toilet model is obvious: 2.6 billion people in the world lack access to safe and affordable sanitation.

Other prototypes presented at the fair include a toilet powered by the sun that generates cooking gas and a toilet that turns waste into electricity.

Take a look at some Reinvent the Toilet Challenge finalists and let us know which you think should be mass produced. Can a reinvented toilet be a game changer for the developing world? Is Gates properly directing his energies and funds? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Reinvent the Toilet Fair

Gates Shakes CalTech Winner's Hand

Gates With CalTech Researchers

CalTech Prototype

Loughbourough Team

University of Toronto Team

Delft Team

Eawag Team

Stanford Team

University of Kwazulu-Natal Prototype

University of Singapore Team

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